May is National Water Safety Month, and the YMCA of Greater Brandywine wants to ensure that every area resident has access to quality and affordable water safety resources and instruction. The YMCA offers thousands of swim lessons and free water safety instruction sessions annually.

Additionally, the YMCA has offered some tips for swimmers. To reduce the risk of drowning, people should never swim alone, regardless of age and ability. A lifeguard or other person should monitor the water. Katie Doochack, director of aquatic safety at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, noted that people in distress in the water are usually quiet rather than yelling and splashing.

At YMCA pools, lifeguards complete extensive training where they learn to constantly monitor the pools and perform counts. Additionally, regular drills and audits are performed to ensure that staff are prepared and responsive in the event that a rescue is needed.

YMCA Nicole Bandura, associate executive overseeing aquatics safety and risk management for YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties, advises swimmers to wear a red, black, or orange swimsuit because these colors have greater visibility in churning water than a blue suit does. Wearing a more visible suit could aid in the event a rescue is needed.

The YMCA also advises people to building their knowledge of water safety. YMCA swim lessons start with instruction around foundational skills - establishing comfort in the water while learning how to safely enter and exit a pool, how to turn onto one's back and how to float. From there, instructors focus on strengthening these key skills while building confidence and endurance and then eventually progress to stroke development and higher-level skills.

Each year, the YMCA awards millions of dollars of financial assistance to ensure that everyone in the community has equal access to programs and offerings, regardless of their financial situation. Donations are accepted to help provide this assistance.

To learn more about YMCA swim lessons at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, visit http://www.ymcagbw.org.